The
James L. Maher Center owns and operates Chaves-Maher Horticulture Center
located on Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, Rhode Island.
Situated on 4 acres of land overlooking a valley, Horticulture is
a unique and special place filled with people with special and differing
abilities.
The
program, the first of its kind in New England, offers individuals with
developmental disabilities a therapeutic environment for the development
of various job skills pertaining to plant production plant maintenance and
care, lawn service, gardening and floral arranging.
The
retail setting offers opportunities for all to experience customer service
and sales.
The
physical space consists of 2 large and 2 small greenhouses, inside and
outside retail space, gardens, a garage and 2 storage sheds.
Four
non-disabled staff and a crew of 14 with differing abilities operate this
unique program year-round, including weekends and nights during the
busiest seasons.
We
offer season sales for Valentines Day, Easter, spring planting, fall mums
and pumpkins and Christmas trees, wreaths, arrangements and poinsettias.
Our
year-round sales include houseplants, houseplant fertilizers, baskets,
silk flowers, artificial arrangements and wreaths, garden
statues and birdbaths, and clay and ceramic pots.
In
addition to the retail and garden shop, we also offer various services
such as lawn care, roto-tilling, garden and houseplant advice, houseplant
rentals and deliveries. Our
floral department provides arrangements from simple parties to weddings
and funerals.
Buy A Brick...Build a Dream Fundraiser
